Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

09:03
Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Nanoparticles as delivery carriers for anticancer prodrugs
Jia-You Fang1, Saleh A Al-Suwayeh
1Chang Gung University, Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Pharmaceutics Laboratory, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. fajy@mail.cgu.edu.tw
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|April 18, 2012
Summary
Prodrugs delivered via nanocarriers offer enhanced drug properties and targeted delivery, particularly for cancer therapies. Further clinical studies are needed to address nanoparticle toxicity concerns for broader application.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prodrugs enhance drug solubility, permeability, bioavailability, and reduce side effects.
- Nanocarriers improve prodrug stability, release modulation, tumor targeting, and enzymatic protection.
- Combining prodrugs with nanocarriers is promising for anticancer therapy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanocarrier strategies for prodrug delivery.
- To elucidate pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and cytotoxicity evaluations of anticancer prodrugs.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and lipid nanoparticles as prodrug carriers.
- Review of recent advancements in nanoparticulate prodrug delivery strategies.
- Systematic elucidation of evaluations for anticancer prodrugs.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers effectively encapsulate and deliver prodrugs.
- Macromolecular prodrugs can form self-assembled nanoparticles.
- Various nanoparticulate strategies are being developed for enhanced prodrug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and animal studies are crucial for advancing prodrug nanocarrier therapy.
- Nanoparticle-associated toxicity requires careful consideration in prodrug delivery development.
Related Concept Videos
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.

